True Cost Guide Doors & Windows Install a Pocket Door

How Much Does Pocket Door Installation Cost in 2024?

Typical Range:

$450 - $3,300

Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.

Updated August 23, 2024

Reviewed by Robert Tschudi, Expert Home Building and Remodeling Contributor.

Written by HomeAdvisor.

Highlights

The average range for pocket door installation cost in new construction is $450 to $3,300.
Installing a pocket door in an existing wall adds costs for demolition and modification.
Pocket door installation in an existing frame requires frame modifications and track installation.
Pocket doors are available in single, double, or French door styles.
Materials impact total costs, ranging from $400 to $600 for hollow core to $450 to $2,000 for glass.

During new construction, pocket doors cost between $450 and $3,300, averaging around $1,050. As part of a remodeling project, the average range is $1,350 to $4,250. These prices reflect both parts and labor and depend on size, complexity, materials and other factors.

Pocket doors slide inside a wall cavity instead of swinging outward on a hinge. They can benefit small areas, adding usable floor space where an open door may otherwise obstruct. The frame fits in the wall's interior, so the length of the wall partly determines the compatibility of this style.

Average Cost to Install Pocket Doors

Average Cost	High Cost	Low Cost
$1,050	$3,300	$450

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Pocket Door Cost Factors

A pocket door on its own is comparable in cost to a standard hinged door, as they use similar amounts of materials and don’t often have complex engineering. The main cost difference for pocket doors comes down to installation cost factors since most homes aren’t configured for them.

New Installation vs. Demolition

There are three main options for installing a pocket door: during new construction, when remodeling a wall, or when retrofitting an existing door frame. Each method affects the complexity of the installation and, therefore, the overall cost.

Pocket doors cost between $450 and $1,500 to install during new construction, compared to $150 to $200 for a standard door. The cost difference is typically split between materials and labor. Retrofitting an existing door frame for a pocket door usually costs about $1,000 more than an equivalent installation during new construction.

Pocket doors require a track within the doorway and adjacent wall, which sometimes requires remodeling the wall. Remodeling for pocket doors usually ranges from $1,350 to $2,200, but additional demolition or modification requirements can increase costs from $2,000 to $6,000.

Wall Demolition and Modification

Interior demolition costs between $2 and $8 per square foot or $40 to $80 per hour, and demolition for pocket doors ranges from $1,200 to $2,500. Demolishing the wall to make space for a door is one of the major expenses involved in a pocket door installation if remodeling an existing wall.

With minimal complications, demolition costs should be on the lower end. Verify whether the wall is load-bearing—if it is, you may need to work with a structural engineer or other contractors to ensure compliance with local regulations.

In some cases, the cost of demolishing a wall also factors in additional remodeling work. For instance, you may need to rewire the area, remove and redirect plumbing pipes, or reconfigure HVAC ductwork. Remodeling that affects your home’s structure or systems often requires obtaining the appropriate permits before starting construction. Construction permits range from $150 to $2,000.

See the average project and permit costs for these demolition and modifications below.

Modification Type	Labor Cost per Hour	Permit Fee Range
Demolition	$40–$80	$200
Plumbing	$40–$200	$50–$500
Electrical	$40–$120	$10–$500
HVAC	$50–$110	$250–$400

Labor Costs

Labor rates vary depending on the type of contractor and your location. Hiring a local door installation contractor costs between $40 and $90 per hour, while a handyperson usually ranges from $30 to $40 per hour.

Some general contractors charge by the hour—ranging from $50 to $150—and charge between $350 and $600 for an average pocket door installation. In larger new construction or remodel projects, the labor rate may be based on 10% to 20% of the overall construction costs.

Mold Remediation

If your contractor discovers mold, asbestos, or other hazardous material upon demolishing a wall to install the pocket door, it must be removed from the area or the entire home. Asbestos removal ranges from $5 to $20 per square foot, and mold removal professionals charge between $10 and $25 per square foot.

Debris Removal

New construction and remodel projects involve construction cleanup costs. Total cleanup costs vary widely depending on the scope of the overall project. The average cost of debris removal ranges from $60 to $700.

Finishes and Add-Ons

Finishing features and add-ons can add to the convenience and visual appeal of your pocket door, but they may present extra costs. For example, automation, which allows you to control the door with a sensor, button, or remote control, can add between $500 and $1,000. Other add-ons may include:

Soundproofing
Insulation
Soft closers
Hardware upgrades
Custom design

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Pocket Door Costs by Size

While the standard size for a pocket door is 36 inches, they’re available in a range of sizes. Large doors have higher installation and material costs.

Pocket Door Size in Inches	New Installation Cost	Remodel Installation Cost
32	$450–$1,500	$1,350–$2,200
34	$500–$1,600	$1,400–$2,800
36	$550–$1,850	$1,550–$2,950
46	$600–$1,900	$1,600–$3,100
48	$700–$2,800	$1,600–$3,800
60	$800–$3,300	$1,700–$4,200

Pocket Door Installation Costs by Type

Depending on your aesthetic preference and the door frame, you can opt for a single, double, or French pocket door. The main cost difference for each type depends on its size. Double pocket doors require more materials and space, essentially doubling project costs. As with material cost factors, remodels add between $900 and $2,200.

Single

A single pocket door costs between $400 and $2,000 per door or $500 to $4,300 with installation. The door width typically ranges from a standard 32 inches to 60 inches, after which most projects upgrade to a double door.

Double

With costs ranging from $800 to $4,000 per set and $1,000 to $11,000 with installation, expect to pay roughly double for double pocket doors than you would for a single door. Double pocket doors pull together like an elevator when closed but operate individually. The higher cost represents two doors, two tracks, and additional labor.

French

French pocket doors are available as single or double doors, ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 or $2,000 to $4,000, respectively. They traditionally have glass panes instead of solid wood, allowing natural light to pass through and enhance a home’s layout. With installation, expect to pay anywhere from $1,200 to $7,200. Heavy glass in French doors adds to complexity and labor needs.

Pocket Door Costs by Material

Pocket doors are available in wood, aluminum, fiberglass, and various other materials. Each carries different pros and cons and price points. These figures factor in the cost of standard installation in new construction. Remodels add between $900 and $2,200 to the total cost.

Material	Cost Per Door (Materials Only)	Cost Per Door (With Installation)
Hollow core	$400–$600	$500–$800
Glass	$450–$2,000	$550–$2,200
Fiberglass	$500–$800	$600–$1,000
Solid wood	$500–$2,000	$600–$2,200
Aluminum	$500–$2,000	$600–$2,200

Hollow Core

Hollow core doors cost between $400 and $600 each, with installation around $500 to $800 in new construction. These lightweight, affordable doors are covered with wood, a medium-density fiberboard, or a particleboard shell over a cardboard or plastic honeycomb interior. Without an interior core, these doors may not offer great durability or noise insulation.

Glass

Glass pocket doors run $450 to $2,000 each, with the total cost in new construction ranging from $550 to $2,200. Glass doors offer enhanced lighting and aesthetic appeal, but they require a stronger frame and proper installation to protect the glass, increasing the overall labor demand.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass doors cost between $500 and $800 each, with the total cost running between $600 and $1,000 in new construction. These lightweight doors offer high durability and low maintenance, requiring occasional scuff repairs. Fiberglass doors can be designed in a variety of styles, whether as woodgrain or smooth.

Solid Wood

Expect to spend $500 to $2,000 on a solid wood pocket door and $600 to $2,200 with installation in new construction. A popular option, solid wood doors are strong, long-lasting, and come in a variety of grains to suit your home’s style. Even as they wear over time, they’re easily repaired or restored with sanding, staining, and painting.

Aluminum

Aluminum pocket doors cost between $500 and $2,000 each or $600 to $2,200 in new construction. Many homeowners choose aluminum doors to complement a modern or industrial home design aesthetic.

Budgeting for Installing Pocket Doors

While pocket doors may require some upfront investment to enjoy their benefits, some strategies can help reign in your budget. Try these budgeting tips for pocket doors:

Get quotes from multiple contractors.
Include the installation in a larger remodel project to combine one-time fees or take advantage of large project discounts.
Opt for materials that present the best blend of style, durability, and cost for your home.
Retrofit an existing frame rather than demolishing a wall.
Avoid remodeling walls with structural elements or home system equipment.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.

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FAQs

Are pocket doors more expensive than standard prehung interior doors?

Installing a pocket door is two to five times more expensive than installing a standard interior style, but they carry comparable maintenance costs. However, pocket doors can pay for themselves in increased equity, potentially adding to a home's resale value.

Can you DIY a pocket door installation?

While DIY pocket door installation is possible, creating a hollow space in the wall can affect the integrity of your home's structure and electrical and plumbing systems. Most projects require demolition, construction, and finishing skills and are generally best left to licensed contractors. Some building codes may require the work to be performed by a licensed contractor.

How do you frame or retrofit a pocket door?

When a professional contractor installs a pocket door in an existing wall, they start by demolishing and modifying plumbing, electrical, and ductwork. They then frame the opening, potentially adding a header if necessary. They install the frame and shim, attach hardware, and install the door itself.

Can you use any door for a pocket door?

Most standard doors can be converted into pocket doors if the measurements are compatible. The wall must be thick enough to fit the door’s width, with about two inches to spare. Pre-drilled holes for hardware in a standard door may affect the visual appeal.

How much space do you need for a pocket door?

A pocket door must have enough space to slide into the wall. A standard 32-inch-wide door needs 66 inches of linear wall space—32 inches for the door in the opening and the rest to house the door. Existing walls must be deeper than four inches, as a standard pocket door is two inches deep.